Quick Facts

Trip Highlights

Climb the 8th highest peak in the world

Excellent preliminary peak for Everest

Fully guided expedition with Sherpa support

Helicopter flight to Kathmandu

Trip Overview

Standing tall with the towering height of 8156m, Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the World and a highly sought out climb for worldwide mountaineers. As many as six different routes have been discovered for Manaslu summit. Manaslu Expedition has been used as the preliminary training for Everest Expedition and is seen by many as the alternative to Cho Oyu. Also, this mountain is the best if you are looking for first time 8000m peak climb. The combination of expertise from our mountain guides and use of top-grade safety and climbing gears coupled with proper itinerary and allocation of proper acclimatization days will make our Manaslu Expedition a successful and memorable adventure which we will cherish throughout the life.

Our Manaslu expedition begins with gradually gaining the altitude as we trek to base camp allowing our body adapt with the altitude. After the completion of expedition we fly back to Kathmandu from Samagoan instead of trekking all the way back in order the same the time. With this flight, you can easily save up to 6 days that would have taken if you had chosen to trek instead of flight.

Climbing Strategy:

Our expedition starts with a trek to Manaslu base camp. Gradually gain the altitude as we trek to base camp. From base camp we will set up 4 camps before climbing to the summit of Manaslu. This will break the difficult climb into smaller sections which increases the chances of successful expedition. We are well aware of the obstacles that can hinder our climbing of high altitude glaciated ridges. We will take slow and calculative steps towards the northeastern ridge of Manaslu which is the most viable Manaslu summit route. We will be doing frequent rotation of high camps to lower camps to get well acclimatized before making the final ascend to summit.

Why climb with us:

For over 30 yrs the people who helm this venture has been successfully organizing high altitude Expeditions ensuring safety first and service paramount. The success of expedition depends largely on carefully planned itinerary and best logistics and these are what we offer. We are committed in maintaining the expedition safe and success with quality of service. Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. You will be guided by highly professional mountain guides and they are one of the best in this field.

We are dedicated for providing highest professionalism throughout the expedition by taking utmost care of all the logistics needed for our Manaslu Expedition

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Day 02 : Official formalities and climb preparation

Day 03 : Drive to Sotikhola [710m/2,320ft]

Day 04 : Trek to Machha Khola [900m/2,953ft]

Day 05 : Trek to Jagat [1,410m/4,626ft]

Day 06 : Trek to Deng [1,804m/5,919ft]

Day 07 : Trek to Namrung [2,630m/8,629ft]

Day 08 : Trek to Samagaon [3,530m/11,582ft]

Day 09 : Rest and acclimatization day

Day 10 : Trek to Manaslu Base Camp [4,700m/15,421ft]

Day 11-12 : Rest and get organized/ Puja Ceremony

Day 13-24 : Acclimatization and rotation of higher camps

Day 25-38 : Summit climb and descend to base camp

Day 39 : Clean up and depart base camp

Day 40 : Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 41 : Free day in Kathmandu

Day 42 : International departure

Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. Your leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions.

Meal : None

Accommodation : Hotel

Trekking Hours : 0

Day 02 - Official formalities and climb preparation

These two days have been kept in Kathmandu for final preparation of Climb. Meet other team members, complete official and government formalities, final gear check and load. Upon your interest, an optional Kathmandu sightseeing can be arranged on these days. We will have a trip orientation and your trip leader will give you a brief about your climb before we head to our journey.

Meal : (B)

Accommodation : Hotel

Trekking Hours : 0

Day 03 - Drive to Sotikhola [710m/2,320ft]

After breakfast, it’s an early drive today for Sotikhola. In the course of the drive, we enjoy views of Nepal’s colorful rural landscapes along with the mountain scenery that’s evident throughout our journey. We will be driving on a well tarred road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m) but the drive from Dhading Bensi to Arughat will be on a roughshod road. On reaching Arughat, a major town in the region, we drive further down to Sotikhola.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 0

Day 04 - Trek to Machha Khola [900m/2,953ft]

The land seems to change as we hike on, the broad valley narrows and at some places the trail is slit into the steep valley sides, which has thick foliage forest. We pass a few dotted small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large branch stream enters the Budhi Gandaki River. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapbesi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a route which runs below the steep, rocky valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola, a settlement which has a number of teashops.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 6-7

Day 05 - Trek to Jagat [1,410m/4,626ft]

The slender trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, reaching Khorlabesi. After some ascending and descending we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on an airy suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Meal : (B,L,D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 6-7

Day 06 - Trek to Deng [1,804m/5,919ft]

After descending a chain of stone steps to the river, we climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal (7187m). The path splits, with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal while crossing the river at Gata Khola. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge with tall walls. We cross the river thrice in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.

Meal : (B,L,D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 6-7

Day 07 - Trek to Namrung [2,630m/8,629ft]

After a short walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Despite an alternative route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it gushes down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is all right again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung.

Meal : (B,L,D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 6-7 hours

Day 08 - Trek to Samagaon [3,530m/11,582ft]

On leaving the village of Namrung behind, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As we continue on the main trail, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. We reach Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village and Samdo, which is close-up to the Tibetan border.

Meal : (B,L,D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 6-7 hours

Day 09 - Rest and acclimatization day

This is a day at Samagaon for rest and acclimatization. Today we get to discover some interesting things about Buddhist culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959.

Meal : (B,L,D)

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours : 3-4

Day 10 - Trek to Manaslu Base Camp [4,700m/15,421ft]

We will take approx. 5 hours of uphill trek and 3 hours of decent to reach Manaslu Base Camp. We will start our trek early in the morning. We will carry plenty of food and water. In peak season, the base camp site is crowded with tents, guides, porters and climbers. The trail from Samagaon takes us through forest. We will ascend the steep slope above Samagaon to the north of Manaslu glacier. The final section of the ascend is the steepest on a slippery trail on a tapered moraine. We will enjoy the panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Stay overnight in Manaslu Base Camp.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours : 4-5 hrs

Day 11-12 - Rest and get organized/ Puja Ceremony

It is recommended to take rest so that you can mentally and physically prepare yourselves for the challenges proposed by Manaslu Mountain. Puja Ceremony will be organized according to the Sherpa ritual to ask for blessings for the successful ascend of Manaslu.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Fully tented camping

Day 13-24 - Acclimatization and rotation of higher camps

During these days, we will make frequent attempts to high camps and return to lower camps which is an essential step towards increasing altitude. We will make slow ascend through the steep sections of moraines and glaciers. We will prepare 4 camps before climbing to the summit.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Fully tented camping

Day 25-38 - Summit climb and descend to base camp

Base Camp to Camp I: After few days of acclimatization and training in Base Camp of Manaslu, we will make ascend to Camp I (5,700m/18,701ft) via the rugged path consisting of moraine and glacier. The trail stretches through crevassed glaciers and small ice steps to reach Camp I. The site offers epic views of surrounding mountains. You can also view the route that you are going to follow to Camp IV. Camp I to Camp II: Climb from Camp I to Camp II (6,400m/20,998ft) is bit technical in nature. The trail progresses through the longer sections of vertical snow and ice. We will move forward by cutting small ice steps and the expert Sherpas will set up fixed ropes on exposed sections for your safety. Climbing from Camp I to Camp II may take anywhere in between 4 to 6 hrs. Camp II to Camp III: It takes 5 to 7hrs of moderately steep climb to reach Camp III (6,900m/22,638ft) from Camp II. We will proceed through small ice steps and slopes. The route is mostly straightforward. Camp III to Camp IV: Another 5 to7 hrs of strenuous climb from Camp III will be enough to take us to Camp IV. We will take proper rest and prepare for the final climb to the summit. Camp IV to Summit and return to Base Camp: Climb to summit is not technical but it demands great physical strength. Also, the increased altitude will propose additional challenges. Sherpas will fix the cables wherever necessary to ensure the successful ascend to the summit. Finally, we will be on top of the eighth highest mountain in the world. We will capture the memories in camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp. We will celebrate the successful climb and stay overnight in Base Camp.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Fully tented camping

Day 39 - Clean up and depart base camp

Arrange for proper disposal of the garbage we had made in Base Camp site and then we will retrace our route back to Samagaon where we will stay overnight.

Meal : (B, L, D)

Accommodation : Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours : 4-5 hrs

Day 40 - Fly back to Kathmandu

We will leave for Kathmandu on this morning. We will take scenic flight from Samagaon to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to hotel in a private vehicle in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from long and tiring expedition

Meal : (B)

Accommodation : Hotel

Trekking Hours : 0

Day 41 - Free day in Kathmandu

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Manaslu Expedition.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Meal : (B, D)

Accommodation : Hotel

Trekking Hours : 0

Day 42 - International departure

Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe Journey!! We hope to see you again.

Given below are the fixed departure dates for this trip. If the dates don’t match with your schedule, then kindly let us know and we will arrange a private trip customizing the departure dates suitable for you. The cost below is per person on group joining basis excluding the international flights. Group discount is available for booking of two or more than two persons. Kindly contact us if you have a bigger group for the discount.

The day-to-day program is subject to weather, conditions and the progress and wishes of the group. Most importantly, the leaders will be making daily decisions, for example, about exactly how far or which way we go, and will be thinking ultimately about the safety and health of all in the party, as well as the enjoyment of the group and success in the outcome of the trek and climb. We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

It is expected that you have previous experience of climbing minimum 6000m+ peaks. Climbers are also expected to have glaciated mountain climbing skills. Also, climbers should have previous experience of spending nights at higher altitude.

Meals are included in our expedition and are served in Lodges located along the trek to base camp and after the expedition. We consider delicious and nutritious food to be a key component to the overall success of our expeditions. We charter the food in by flight and take the utmost care in quality preparation. Our High Altitude Chef will be with us for all meals at Base Camp and Camp 2. You could bring things which you enjoy eating - chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc.

In Kathmandu we stay at Kathmandu Guest House, a well-known hotel. Centrally located in Thamel, the hotel also boasts of a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. During the trekking upto base camp we stay at teahouses and lodges as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. Our base camp is well appointed, providing each climber a comfortable environment. There will be a warm dining room, personal tent for each individual, kitchen tent, shower and etc and more for your comfort.

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other especially in high altitude expeditions like Everest. You will get to know your Sherpa guide and team member personally. Being a small group is always efficient on bigger mountain. Our group size is small and your Sherpa guides will not only assist you at the summit push but will also assist you in the rotation of higher camps.

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get insurance before embarking on any adventurous activities like high altitude expeditions. We advise all our clients to get a insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. Medical expenses, Baggage lost, Delays and Cancellation, Death & Repatriation are also another important factor to include when purchasing your Insurance. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverage before making the final decision.

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty; we undertake to do everything possible to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, kindly ensure that all expenses are fully covered by your insurance before assigning it or must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

The gear listed below are required for the expedition. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment . You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.

Our Sherpa crews are critical to the success of your climbs that you do with us. We us professionally trained Sherpa guides & sirdars who are just not hikers & climbers on the mountains but have been trained to perform this task with a lot of common sense & guile. Kunga Sherpa, Everest summitter and founder of Highland Expeditions, who has successfully guided and organized over 40 expeditions to 8000m as an expedition sirdar oversees our experienced Sherpa crew that will be with you on the climb. We ensure that they are confident & experienced. Most of our guides were born in these parts & have relatives living on other parts of the regions where they were born in.

We know that locally born staffs are a vital cog in that wheel of sometimes dangerous adventure where anything can happen.

At Highland Expeditions, we always make sure that our mountain crews are highly motivated & never compromise.

Previous Experience Required:

High Altitude Expeditions like Manaslu requires previous mountaineering experience and it is expected that the climber has previous experience of climbing at least 7000m peak before attempting Manaslu. Prepare yourself to tackle high altitude sickness, tough weather conditions and exhaustion. A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are the essential pre-requisites for joining this expedition. One needs to be familiar with walking in snow and ice and must have good standard of fitness. You should be familiar with Rope skills, ice axe arrest and crampon skills, the use of ascenders (Jumar) and descenders, and how to use your particular harness

Contact Information

Payment information:

If you have any additional comments you wish to make now, please enter them here. If you have any special medical or dietary needs, please mention in the form we will send you after booking.

Additional comments

Important Note: It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips. We advise all our clients to get a travel insurance that covers up medical expenses and emergency helicopter evacuation up to $. You must send us a copy of your insurance details before the trip start date.

Clicking the Submit button confirms that you accept our Terms and Conditions